His Majesty King Abdullah returned home after a several-day visit to the United States where he held talks with US President George W. Bush and senior US administration officials on latest regional developments and means to enhance bilateral ties.



The King met also with US Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.



During his meetings with senior officials in the US administration, King Abdullah was keen to explain Jordanian and Arab stands toward all regional issues.



His Majesty stressed that achieving just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the guarantee for enhancing democracy and bolstering economic growth to achieve reform and the desired regional development.



On Iraq, King Abdullah called on the international community to help restore security and stability in Jordan's eastern neighbor, preserve its unity, reconstruct its institutions and enable the Iraqi people to participate in building their political and economic future.



As for the situation in Lebanon, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan's stand which supports the implementation of UN resolutions, including 242, 338 and 1559, as well as the Kingdom's full support for free elections in Lebanon.



During his trip, the King delivered a keynote address at Georgetown University, which granted His Majesty an honorary doctorate in literature and humanities in recognition of the King's continued efforts to achieve peace and security as well as enhance dialogue and co-existence among different nations and cultures. He also accepted the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award at the UN.


The economic aspect was also an important part of His Majesty's meetings with chairmen of the boards of directors of multi-national firms in the US.



In a meeting with Arab-Americans and Islamic organizations, His Majesty stressed the importance of showing the true image of moderate Islam.


The King also participated in a conference of major IT firms and discussed with senior executives of top companies means to invest in Jordan. He also discussed cooperation with head of World Bank James Wolfensohn.


King Abdullah also met with the editors of the New York Times newspaper where His Majesty discussed development and reform programs in Jordan as well as efforts exerted to improve the living standards of all Jordanians.


The King also announced that the ancient city of Petra will host a conference for Nobel Prize laureates in May.